Dangolla, A., D.K. Ekanayake, R.P. Rajapakse, J.P. Dubey, and I.D. Silva (2006). Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in captive elephants (Elephaus maximus maximus) in Sri Lanka.Veterinary Parasitology 137(1-2): 172-4.NAL Call Number: SF810.V4Abstract: Serum samples collected during August 2003-June 2004 from 45 privately owned captive and 8 elephants from the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage were tested for the presence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii using the direct modified agglutination test (MAT). Antibodies were found in sera of 14 of 45 (32%) privately owned elephants with titers of 1:25 in three, 1:50 in three, 1:100 in three, 1:200 in three, and 1:400 in three elephants. The elephants from Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage were seronegative. This is the first report of T. gondii seroprevalence in elephants in Sri Lanka.Descriptors: Toxoplasma, seroprevalence, antibodies, captive elephants, Sri Lanka, serum, modified agglutination test, MAT.

Jani, R.G. (2008). Prevalence and hemato biochemical studies of gastrointestinal parasites of Indian elephants (Elephas maximus). Veterinary World 1(10): 296-298. ISSN: 0972-8988.Abstract: Fecal samples were collected from 40 Indian elephants (Elephas maximus). The examination revealed a 62.5% prevalence of parasites in the elephants. Among the single infection with parasites, a high prevalence of Fasciola spp. (15.00%) was observed followed by mixed infections. The elephants harbouring parasites were clinically dull, depressed and lethargic. About 48% of the elephants manifested dehydration and loose feces as well as the habit of soil licking. The hematological studies of elephants harboring parasites revealed mild anaemia and eosinophilia, whereas biochemical studies revealed insignificant hypoproteinaemia. Reproduced with Permission from CAB Abstracts.Descriptors: Asian elephant, Elephas maximus, anemia, blood chemistry, dehydration, hypoproteinaemia, infections, parasitoses.